A needle biopsy is a medical procedure used to obtain a small sample of tissue from a specific area of the body, often to diagnose diseases such as cancer. During the procedure, a thin, hollow needle is inserted into the area of interest, guided by imaging techniques like ultrasound or CT scans. The collected tissue is then examined under a microscope by a pathologist. This procedure is minimally invasive, meaning it usually requires only local anesthesia and has a shorter recovery time compared to surgical biopsies. Needle biopsies can be performed on various tissues, including those in the breast, lung, or liver, making it a valuable tool in modern medicine.